SSC CGL Selection Process 2026 Tier 1 Tier 2 Final Merit

The SSC CGL Selection Process 2026 has two computer-based stages, Tier 1 and Tier 2. As per the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) notification, candidates who qualify Tier 1 are shortlisted for Tier 2. The final merit list is prepared mainly on the basis of performance in Tier 2 and the post preferences submitted by candidates.

SSC CGL 2026 is being held to fill Group B and Group C posts in central government departments. The Commission has announced around 12,256 tentative vacancies. Tier 1 is scheduled for August-September 2026, while Tier 2 is tentatively planned for December 2026.

What are the stages in SSC CGL Selection Process 2026?

The SSC CGL 2026 selection process has two examination tiers. There is no separate interview stage mentioned in the current notification.

SSC will shortlist candidates for Tier 2 based on their Tier 1 marks and category-wise cut-offs. Separate cut-offs will apply for some posts such as Junior Statistical Officer and Statistical Investigator Grade-II.

What happens in SSC CGL Tier 1 2026?

SSC CGL Tier 1 is the first stage of the exam. It is an objective-type computer-based test with four sections.

The total time is 1 hour. Candidates eligible for a scribe get additional time as per SSC rules. There is also a 0.50-mark deduction for every wrong answer in Tier 1.

Tier 1 marks are used to shortlist candidates for the next stage. SSC also normalises marks when the exam is held in multiple shifts.

How are candidates shortlisted for SSC CGL Tier 2?

SSC uses the Tier 1 marks to shortlist candidates for Tier 2. The cut-off is fixed category-wise.

The 2026 notification sets these minimum qualifying marks:

These are minimum qualifying marks, not the final cut-off for getting shortlisted. The actual cut-offs can vary according to the post and category.

What is the SSC CGL Tier 2 exam pattern 2026?

Tier 2 is the main stage for SSC CGL final selection. All candidates who qualify Tier 1 have to appear in Paper 1 of Tier 2.

Paper 1 has four sections. Section 1 covers Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning and General Intelligence. Section 2 covers English Language and Comprehension and General Awareness. It also includes a Computer Knowledge Test and Data Entry Speed Test (DEST).

Candidates applying for certain posts have to take additional papers:

• Paper 2: Statistics for Junior Statistical Officer and Statistical Investigator Grade-II.
• Paper 3: General Studies Finance and Accounts and Economics and Governance for Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer.
• Paper 1 is compulsory for all candidates appearing in Tier 2.

How is the SSC CGL final selection made?

The SSC CGL final merit list is prepared using performance in Tier 2. For most posts, marks in Section 1 and Section 2 of Paper 1 are used for merit, subject to qualifying the required computer and DEST sections.

For special posts, the merit calculation is different:

• JSO and Statistical Investigator Grade-II: Section 1 and Section 2 of Paper 1 plus Paper 2.
• AAO and Assistant Accounts Officer: Section 1 and Section 2 of Paper 1 plus Paper 3.
• Posts requiring DEST or computer proficiency have additional qualifying requirements.
• For other posts, merit is based on the required sections of Tier 2 Paper 1.

How does post preference affect SSC CGL final selection?

Post preference plays an important role after Tier 2. SSC takes preferences through an online option form before the First Round of Tentative Allocation or final result.

The Commission makes allotment according to merit and post preference. Once a preference is submitted, it is treated as final and cannot be changed later.

Some posts also have physical or medical requirements. These include certain Inspector and Sub-Inspector posts. The concerned department conducts these tests after final selection and nomination.

What happens after SSC CGL final result 2026?

Document Verification is conducted by the concerned User Departments or organisations after the final result. Students should keep their original certificates and required documents ready.

For reserved categories, the required category certificates must be produced when asked. Selected candidates for posts with physical or medical standards must also meet the requirements of the allotted post.

The SSC CGL application fee for 2026 was INR 100. Women candidates and candidates belonging to SC, ST, PwBD and eligible Ex-Servicemen categories are exempt from the fee.

SSC CGL Selection Process 2026 FAQs